Joey Maxwell is a South London-based artist who has just come to my attention thanks to his new EP. Inspired by the grunge rock of the ’90s and ’00s and modern indie sensibilities, it’s a collection that perfectly showcases his unique style. It’s called don’t know how to feel about this.

By Graeme Smith

Don’t know how to feel about this was conceived in a moment of desperation for Joey. His career had taken him into an independent direction and he was working hard to capture something on tape that truly represented his sound. What he’s ended up with has been well-received, attracting plaudits from the blogosphere and even BBC Radio 1.

The EP kicks off with shoelaces. It’s a lively start, with an relentless guitar riff and surprise layers of pop and soul. Joey’s vocals are wonderfully unique – laidback yet emotional, and oozing effortless cool. Joey’s sound is such an intriguing mix of the familiar and the new. I was excited to hear what was to come.

Hollowing out has some intricate, unexpected guitar plucking and some emo rock sensibilities. It’s a track that rises and falls pleasantly. Idontwannatry leans more into traditional indie rock, with a looping riff and some pacey percussion. Electronic overtones give the track a beautiful depth. It’s a highlight.

Like a clown ramps the emotion up even more in a soaring, pleading moment that will give you chills. In a way that i could never love myself then closes the EP by upping the tempo once again. It gives us a perfect blend of all the elements of Joey’s sound, mixing the bitter with the sweet, the melancholic with the vibrant. It’s another highlight.

Joey Maxwell’s new EP shows that he certainly deserves the hype. I foresee big things for him. You can listen to don’t know how to feel about this below.